Cower not, fierce reader!
Today we’re looking at a book someone who triggered the left insanely hard as an author of pick up artist how tos. Roosh has since that time made a very public rejection of that life and lifestyle, and become something they would hate even more: a faithful Christian.
This is his first book since his joining the Armenian Orthodox Chuch(though I believe he is now in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia), and some things stand out very clearly, some good, some bad. This is not a book of theological truth, though there is some. It’s more a travelogue of a speaking tour of the USA.
Firstly, Roosh still knows how to control the frame of a conversation very well. Now, however, he brings conversations back to faith, especially concerning worldly issues of masculinity and sex. He mentions a number of Q&A sessions during his trip, and at many, he redirects someone’s issues with finding a suitable woman to a spiritual issue. He encourages men to avoid the trap he fell in of the lust cycle, and to search for God instead.
Secondly, Roosh has some issues with how he views and relates to women. He acknowledges this, though I venture he is unaware of the full extent. It shows in his characterization of the women he speaks with at his events, for instance, “The blonde woman the blurted out, “Memento mori”.” He may not have been knowledable of the Catholic devotion at the time, and his desire for purity balancing against his past dictating his reactions.
Third, I am impressed with his professed prayer life and need for prayer. He credits this to a desire to avoid a return to his past.
Fourth, Roosh is clearly almost completely unacquainted with the non coastal areas of the US. This is apparent in his brief mention of his dining at a Culver’s, where customer service is almost as highly regarded as it is a Chic-fil-A. He takes a comment hoping he enjoyed a meal in a context of pickup artist, when it’s a consumer relations event. There’s also a bit of ignorance shown regarding the Sturgis motorcycle rally, and the culture of that notorious event.
For all this, I am eager to see where Roosh goes from here. I am hopeful in his conversion being true, and look forward to hearing more from him. Perhaps someday he will join one of the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church; as is, I am grateful for his conversion.
American Pilgrim by Roosh Valizadeh, 8 of 10 fell deeds.